Where to look for Short-eared Owls in East Lancashire during Autumn/Winter 2003.

by Bill Aspin.

In recent autumns/winters, Champion Moor and the surrounding fields have been consistently good for seeing Short-eared Owls. 

Autumn/winter 2002 was fantastic with between 5 and as many as 9 individuals reported - enthralling all observers who made the effort to visit the site.

 Since mid-October 2003, between 2-4 birds have been regularly seen in the area. As long as there is a sufficient food source and no particularly hard, prolonged winter conditions, then there is no reason why sightings of this species at Champion Moor shouldn't continue well into the winter.

Afternoons appear to be the best time to connect with this species at the site from past experience, but the Owls can go quiet for sometimes quite considerable periods during the day. When they are particularly active, it is likely you will at some point see birds 'sparring' with each other, calling, as they engage in brief arial combat over territory disputes - A fantastic sight.

Directions

Champion Moor lies 2 miles south of Stocks Reservoir at grid ref: SD750530.

Click on the map to view larger O.S. image.

Off-road parking is limited. Please do not obstruct the road. There are two areas where birders park; a)  SD756530  - alongside the bend in the road by the entrance to Long Hill Farm; there is room for perhaps 4 vehicles here, but please do not block the farm entrance, and, b) SD753535  - you will see an obvious 'pull-in' area on the opposite side of the road to the moor. Again, there is perhaps room for only 3-4 vehicles.

As well as the the S.E. Owls, Hen Harrier is always a possibility and don't forget to check surrounding Dry-stone walls, Barns and Farm buildings for Little Owls. Champion Moor is also a good passage/wintering site for Stonechat.

Finally, should you visit the site, please be kind enough to email any sightings to the website by clicking the Dotterel image on the homepage - thank you.